Consultation Opened on Gov. Plans for Aviation Carbon Offset

The fight for sustainable aviation fuels is still in progress, and international authorities are making larger strides towards an aviation carbon offset. However, some wariness has been expressed as the UK government was warned that these efforts could result in unaffordable airfares for many UK travellers. The government has so far stated that this will not be the case.  

In light of these difficulties, the government has launched a consultation. This will focus on carbon offset, how to implement emissions trading, and asking airlines and other interested organisations how the UK can implement the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia). This will ultimately requires airlines to offset their emissions for international flights in the long-term.  

While Corsia is a global scheme that was recently implemented by the UN, the UK government remains committed to the European Emissions Trading System (EETS). The consultation will, therefore, also involve not just discussions of aviation carbon offset, but how EETS and Corsia can be implemented separately and not cause flights to be ‘unfairly burdened’. 

The priority of sustainable aviation efforts at the moment is starting to focus on implementing these changes without causing a drastic increase in costs for airlines and passengers. This also marks the first meeting of the UK’s Jet Zero Task Force. 

Aviation minister Mike Kane said, “The UK is already at the forefront of global efforts to address climate change and carbon pricing schemes play a vital role in decarbonising aviation. 

“The government is committed to supporting the aviation industry and with our Plan for Change at the heart, we’re helping the UK transition to a cleaner future in the most cost-effective way.  

“We welcome all views on how airlines can continue participating in these crucial initiatives.” 

Tim Alderslade, Airlines UK chief executive, added, “UK airlines are committed to net zero, which alongside innovation to reduce our emissions directly also means effective international action in what is an inherently global sector.  

“We welcome this latest progress and look forward to working with government to strengthen CORSIA and put the whole industry on a net zero path by 2050.  

“Effective carbon mechanisms are critical in ensuring we can continue to deliver for passengers and cargo for generations to come whilst remaining on track to take the carbon out of travel.” 

Marie Owens Thomsen, Iata’s chief economist and sustainability senior vice president, welcomed the consultation and commented, “CORSIA is the only global market-based scheme to reduce emissions from international air transportation and is critical to airlines’ decarbonisation efforts.  

“The UK is the third largest air transport market globally and will play an important role in global efforts to decarbonise our industry. 

“Iata supports this important consultation and the UK government’s plans to adopt and implement the scheme, and encourages countries to prepare for CORSIA implementation and to make the needed carbon credits available.” 

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